Downtown Disney To Become "Disney Springs"

“Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney
World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be
entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at
home,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
“Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable
entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same
focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme
parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that
only Disney could create.”

Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations,
United States and France, and Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom
Staggs look over the model of the expansion.

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other
venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150
establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to
benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business
opportunities.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural
beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods
interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to
a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the
destination will feature:

The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.

A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight
guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an
over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites,
including an expanded World of Disney store.

A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively
entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide
both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

Collectively, these efforts will not only have an impact within Walt
Disney World, but will also have an economic ripple effect on Central
Florida. The project will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs
and nearly 4,000 operational roles.

Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to
Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month
with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be
complete in 2016.

Disney's announcement comes nearly five years after Disney closed its
nightclubs in the Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney in 2008. The
Pleasure Island area was slated to be redesigned into "Hyperion Warf" -
but the project was placed on hold. Source and Image Credit: Disney